With the recent announcement that more than 700,000 acres off of Martha’s Vineyard will be available for commercial wind energy leasing, it is vital that we not repeat the numerous mistakes that still mar the Cape Wind Project.

I have long been a critic and opponent of Cape Wind for several reasons. First, I believe that competition is good and the state shouldn’t pick winners and losers. The state and federal government essentially gave a single developer a sweetheart deal. Unfortunately, Massachusetts’s utilities and ratepayers are on the hook for the cost of a project that wasn’t competitively bid.

Second, Cape Wind is going to increase the cost of electricity for many people in Massachusetts, which is a shame because there are other renewable energy choices that could lower costs for consumers. Massachusetts has some of the highest electricity rates in the country. These rates add to the high cost of living and doing business in our state, disproportionally affecting those least able to
afford it.

We can’t be blind to the economic impact of our energy choices. While Massachusetts rightly values clean energy and efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, we also value our commitment to economic equality. I refuse to believe that Massachusetts can’t be both green and affordable.

The pursuit of clean renewable energy sources like offshore wind is an important priority for Massachusetts and our utilities. But as this new project proceeds, and the state considers other alternative forms of energy, it is vital that we bear in mind the lessons learned from Cape Wind.

As governor, I will remember the important lessons learned from Cape Wind while also ensuring that Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in the pursuit of smart, clean energy production.